Police Shut Down Illicit Ginger Drink Factory
HARARE – A tip-off from concerned residents led to the discovery of an illegal underground ginger drink production facility in Waterfalls, Harare, prompting a raid by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and shutting down the operation.
The facility, operated by Pachedu Ginger, was producing and distributing ginger drinks without the necessary licenses from the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and the Ministry of Health.
During the raid, law enforcement officers discovered large containers filled with fermented ginger drinks, unlabelled bottles and makeshift processing equipment. The production site posed significant risks to public health due to its lack of proper health and safety approvals.
According to ZRP police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the facility was shut down due to non-compliance with health and safety regulations and those responsible will face the full force of the law.
“We have shut down an illegal beverage production facility in Waterfalls. Investigations are ongoing and those responsible will be held accountable,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The ZRP suspects that the ginger drinks were being distributed to informal markets and vendors across Harare, raising concerns about potential health risks due to the lack of regulation and quality control.
A food safety expert from the Ministry of Health warned that unregulated drink production can lead to serious health complications, emphasizing that any product intended for public consumption must meet strict health and safety standards.
Residents in Waterfalls expressed mixed reactions to the crackdown, with some supporting the move citing the need for food safety, while others felt that small-scale businesses should be guided on compliance rather than being shut down outright.
The ZRP has urged the public to report any suspicious food and beverage production activities. Further arrests and legal action are expected against those responsible for running the illegal facility.
